Austin Healey 100M Factory 'Le Mans'
Some classics are rare. Others are legendary. And every now and then, a car appears that truly deserves both titles. This 1955 Austin Healey 100M Factory-Built ‘Le Mans’ is just such a car.
The 100M was born from Donald Healey’s own racing ambitions. In 1953, Austin-Healey achieved unexpected success at Le Mans with two almost-standard cars, finishing 2nd and 3rd in their class, and 12th and 14th overall. The interest this stirred was so great that an official “Le Mans Engine Modification Kit” was subsequently released.
Two years later, at the 1955 Earls Court Motor Show, the Austin-Healey 100M was unveiled – a more powerful version of the BN2. Among its upgrades were a louvred bonnet with leather strap, stronger pistons, uprated anti-roll bars and specially tuned shock absorbers. Only 640 factory-built examples were produced, most destined for the American market. Today, just around 170 have been officially authenticated by the 100M Le Mans Registry – including this very car.
Technical details
That is precisely what makes this example so special: a rare opportunity to acquire a fully documented, factory-built 100M “Le Mans”, with authenticity proven at every level. Many BN2s were later upgraded to 100M specification, but only true factory cars carry unique identifiers hidden throughout the bodywork – details this car retains. The louvred bonnet, for instance, bears the correct body number on the left-hand side, just as the bootlid support does. These are the hallmarks of a genuine 100M, and here they are all present and correct.
In 2013, the car was restored in Germany with characteristic Pünktlichkeit: meticulous, precise, and with absolute respect for the car’s original soul. Where some restorations risk stripping away character, this Healey still breathes its history. The original windscreen has been preserved, while the chrome and paintwork can only be described as excellent.
The result is a car that radiates authenticity in every fibre, while being mechanically and cosmetically outstanding. It gleams in its original ‘Old English White’, with history documented in full – supported by both the 100M Le Mans Registry Certificate and the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate.
Mille Miglia Ready
This example is also eligible for the legendary Mille Miglia. At Marreyt Classic Cars – proud Main Sponsor of the Mille Miglia – we are delighted to guide you through the entire process, from registration to participation. Imagine five unforgettable days driving through the heart of Italy, at the wheel of an authentic 100M “Le Mans”, surrounded by the most iconic classics in the world.
A Unique Opportunity
One look at this Healey makes it clear: cars of this calibre seldom reach the market. Its rarity, authenticity, meticulous restoration and Mille Miglia eligibility make it a dream for both collectors and drivers alike.
Browse the full photo series, lose yourself in the details, and experience a car that breathes history. We warmly invite you to join us in making the next Mille Miglia an unforgettable adventure – and at the same time, to tick a dream off your bucket list.
Marreyt Classic Cars can make it happen!
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